Obituary of Arlene K. Lancaster

Arlene K. (Sann) Lancaster, 99, of Syracuse, NY passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, January 16, 2025. Born in Lancaster, PA, she graduated from McCaskey High School in Millersville, PA and continued her education at Millersville University.

Her life forever changed the summer of 1945 when she met her future husband. It seemed as if fate had a hand in their meeting. Arlene, a young woman from Lancaster, crossed paths with James Lancaster, the love of her life, on the bustling Atlantic City Boardwalk. That summer, Arlene was waitressing amidst the excitement of the Miss America Pageant, while James having just returned from Normandy, was there seeking recovery. From the moment they met, James affectionately called her his “Miss America.” They married in 1946 and built a beautiful life and family in Syracuse, NY. After raising 8 children in New York, they retired to Lakeland, Florida where she enjoyed the sun, the warmth, and the many lasting friendships she created. After 23 wonderful years in Lakeland, she returned to Syracuse to be closer to “her girls.”

Arlene was best known for being a woman of unwavering faith. She was a devoted parishioner of Holy Family Church and lead each day of her life with love, kindness, and generosity. She was eager to be in the know about everything happening within her ever-growing family. With the memory of an elephant, it was impressive how easily she could recount a birthday, anniversary, or even when the next Red Sox or SU game was. As a woman with a dry wit, she was able to make her family laugh even with the simplest of remarks.

Arlene is preceded by her husband of 51 years, James S., son Peter, parents Mabel and Charles Sann, and brother Gerald Schrite. Surviving are her daughters Cathleen Tierney, Mary (Steve) Dwyer, Theresa (Pierce) Law, Ellen (Joseph) Reed all of Syracuse, Anne of Florida and sons Joseph (Dee) of West Virginia and Thomas of Florida. Also survived by 16 grandchildren: Michael (Tara) Tierney, Erin (Rick) Kohut, Colleen (Michael Moore) Tierney, John (Jiyoung) Tierney, Jamie Lancaster, Peter Lancaster, Caroline (Ken) Dillon, Jacqueline (Zerah) Ali, Peter (Tori) Law, Jeffrey Law, Adrienne (Tom) Hayes, Brittany (Mark) DeAngelis, Joseph Reed, Mary Reed, Katherine Reed, Lukas Reed and 17 great grandchildren: Tristan Tierney, Cecilia Moore, Toby Kohut, Caitlin Kohut, Niki Tierney, Harper Lancaster, Mia Berrios, Connor Berrios, Rian Ali, Maxime Ali, Madeline Law, Peter Law, Penelope Hayes, Rory Hayes, Rosalie DeAneglis, Giulia DeAngelis, Marcus Abner, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Calling hours will be on Monday, January 20 from 3-6pm at Ryan Funeral Home, 3180 Bellevue Ave, Syracuse, NY 13219. A mass will be held on Tuesday January 21 at 10 am at Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr, Syracuse, NY 13219. Burial to follow at St. Mary’s Cemetary in Dewitt. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Arlene’s name to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.